The Environment Agency has launched an investigation following the death of more than 250 fish in a castle moat in Somerset.

It is understood that 15 dead fish were seen floating on the surface of the moat around the historic Nunney Castle near Frome earlier last week.

The castle, which dates back to the 1370s and was damaged by Parliamentarians during the English Civil War, is managed by English Heritage.

At least 250 fish have died (Image: Ron Warwick)

The Environment Agency has now now confirmed the deaths of at least 250 roach in the moat, adding that the incident is being treated as a category 2 type, the second most serious level on its scale of environmental impact.

According to its website, a category 2 incident is one where there is a "significant impact or effect on the environment, people and/or property."

After undertaking oxygen level tests on November 14, agency officers found ammonia and dissolved oxygen levels to be normal.

However, Somerset Live has been contacted by a resident who claims that more fish have died in recent days.

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Ron Warwick, who has lived near the castle for over 20 years said: "It's the first time I've seen that many dead fish."

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "I can confirm the Environment Agency is investigating recent fish deaths in the moat at Nunney Castle near Frome.

"Initial tests checking for levels of dissolved oxygen, ammonia and water temperature were carried out on Tuesday (November 14) and found to be normal.

"An EA officer will visit the site again today (November 17) and take water samples. Dead fish will also be taken away for analysis. Water enters the castle moat via the Nunney Brook and flows out into a separate watercourse that later joins the River Frome."

Nunney Castle dates from the 1370s

The spokesman also said that the incident was being treated as a category 2 incident, with category 1 being the most serious.

"The Environment Agency is treating it as Category 2 incident (Cat 1 being the most serious) because of the number of fish fatalities (250+)."

They added: "Only one species (roach) appears to be affected. This is unusual and suggests pollution is not the cause as other species normally die or are affected when a chemical, farm slurry or other harmful pollutant enters a watercourse.

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"We will keep the site owners, English Heritage, informed of the outcome of the investigation."

An English Heritage spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the sad death of these fish and are working closely with the Environment Agency to ascertain the cause of the problem.”

Did you live near to the castle? Get in touch using James.Somper@localworld.co.uk

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